German Left Party Calls for Abolishment of Aristocratic Titles

Party leader Ines Schwerdtner argues that noble titles are outdated relics and incompatible with democratic equality.

The Left Party in Germany has proposed the removal of all aristocratic titles from official documents and passports, calling them remnants of a bygone era of privilege by birth.
Co-leader Ines Schwerdtner emphasized that modern democracies should uphold equality and have no place for titles like barons, counts, or dukes.
Schwerdtner's push coincides with her candidacy in Berlin-Lichtenberg, where she faces Beatrix von Storch, a prominent AfD member and descendant of nobility.
She highlighted that aristocratic privileges were abolished during the Weimar Republic and believes banning titles is a logical next step, citing Austria's prohibition of noble designations since 1919 as an example.
Schwerdtner directly challenged von Storch, asserting that democracy requires treating all individuals as equals, regardless of heritage or social status.